3 Ghanaian cocoa farmers pick world’s best cocoa prize

Three cocoa farmers from Ghana have been recognized and awarded at the 2017 edition of the Cocoa Excellence Awards ceremony, for having the best of the world’s standard for cocoa.

The farmers are; Mr. Simon Marfo, Mr. John Kofi Asiamah, and Mr. Noah Obeng.

The awards ceremony which took place in Paris – France, is held every two years to award the hard work of cocoa farmers across the world.

Out of 40 countries that entered into the competition, Ghana together with Ivory Coast and Ecuador were the countries permitted to submit the highest number of samples.

Presenting awards to the three cocoa farmers here in Accra, Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo urged the winners to continue to give off their best by maintaining the quality and good flavor of their cocoa.

“We are projecting the quality of cocoa from Ghana and sustaining the benchmark of cocoa from Ghana to other countries. COCOBOD is giving each of the award winners a cash prize of five thousand Ghana cedis,” he announced.

He further urged all cocoa farmers to put in extra effort to ensure their work can be recognized globally.

“We are very proud of these hardworking farmers and we want to use this token award together with what the international body has given, to serve as motivation to other cocoa farmers”.

A total of 166 samples of cocoa beans, originating from 40 producing countries were received.

Each country was given a limited quota as regards a number of bean samples to submit based on some set criteria.

Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ecuador had the highest quota of 9 samples each.

Ghana’s participation in the world event dates back to 2011.

A cocoa farmer from Ghana received the award in the 2013 edition and in 2015, two cocoa farmers also won awards and were celebrated at the Salon Du Chocolat Fair in Paris.